W. E. Fairbairn Books

The Fairbairn system of hand-to-hand combat, initially called 'Defendu,' draws from boxing, wrestling, savate, jujutsu, and judo, as well as Fairbairn's experiences in police work. Designed for simplicity and effectiveness, it was first published in 1926 and later reprinted in 1931. The book illustrates this method, leading to some confusion among early readers who mistakenly believed the techniques were primarily rooted in Eastern martial arts.

One of the most influential combat shooting books ever published, Shooting to Live is the product of Capt. W.E. Fairbairn's and Capt. E.A. Sykes' practical experience with the handgun from their many close-quarters gunfights while working for the Shanghai Municipal Police in the 1930s. This expanded edition contains a new foreword by British World War II combatives expert Phil Mathews, which sheds new light on the career of E.A. Sykes - the "forgotten hero" of the Fairbairn-Sykes duo - as well as previously unpublished photos. Hundreds of actual incidents provided the basis for this first true instruction manual on life-or-death shootouts with the pistol. In clear, concise terms, the book teaches the concepts, considerations and applications of combat pistolcraft. A foreword by Col. Rex Applegate explains how Fairbairn and Sykes introduced their groundbreaking methods into American military training circles at the height of World War II.

W.E. Fairbairn, a renowned instructor in unarmed combat and co-creator of the Sykes-Fairbairn knife, shares his extensive expertise gained from three decades on the Shanghai waterfront. This fully illustrated guide encapsulates his distilled knowledge, showcasing techniques that influenced modern combat training. Additionally, Fairbairn's legacy may have inspired the Q Branch in Ian Fleming's James Bond series, highlighting his impact on both military and popular culture.

Based on his extensive training in various martial arts and real-life experiences as a police officer, Fairbairn developed a unique hand-to-hand combat system known as "Defendu." Designed for simplicity and effectiveness, this method was first published in 1926 and later reprinted in 1931 as "Scientific Self Defence." The original terminology led to misconceptions about its Eastern martial arts influences, prompting Fairbairn to omit the term in the later edition to emphasize the originality of his techniques.

This book presents a classic hand-to-hand combat system developed by Fairbairn, combining practical experience with elements of jujutsu and boxing. Designed specifically for training the Shanghai Municipal Police, it emphasizes effective techniques for real-world situations. The system reflects a blend of martial arts that prioritizes efficiency and adaptability in combat scenarios.

W. E. Fairbairn, a renowned instructor in unarmed combat and the creator of the Sykes-Fairbairn knife, shares his extensive expertise in this illustrated guide. The book features colorized images that enhance the learning experience, making it a valuable resource for those interested in self-defense techniques and military training.

Get Tough! is the fully illustrated manual of lethal unarmed combat methods taught to British and US Special Forces in the Second World War by Major W E Fairbairn, co-inventor of the Sykes-Fairbairn knife, and senior instructor to WW2's Special Forces.

Get Tough! is the fully illustrated manual of lethal unarmed combat methods taught to British and US Special Forces in the Second World War by Major W E Fairbairn. The methods used in this book should only be employed when life is in danger from an attacker, since correctly applied they can kill or maim an opponent.

The distilled knowledge of W.E. Fairbairn, legendary SOE instructor in unarmed combat, and inventor of the Sykes-Fairbairn knife, who learned his deadly skills in 30 years on the Shanghai waterfront. Fully illustrated.

Focusing on self-defense tailored for women, "Hands Off!" provides practical techniques to empower them during the Second World War. Major Fairbairn addresses the unique physical disadvantages women may face, offering strategies specifically designed for their use. The methods are grounded in real-world scenarios, ensuring that readers can effectively respond to potential threats. This guide not only enhances personal safety but also contributes to women's roles in the wartime effort.